Chris Brame, my esteemed co-host from 4-7 p.m. on 960 The Ref, gives us his insights into the Bulldogs battle with the Longhorns. Chris is extremely talented, and it’s a lot of fun to work with him. He loves the Bulldogs and the Miami Dolphins and was ecstatic as Miami had just beaten the Patriots when Chris completed these questions.
What is your take on Georgia’s season?
The disappointment from the SEC Championship Game loss lingers. Still, any honest evaluation of this season has to conclude it’s one of Georgia’s best. Three of the program’s greatest players needed replacing and the team went 11-1, with all 11 wins by double digits, including beating Paul Johnson into submission.
How excited are you to play Texas in the Sugar Bowl?
I’m getting close but it won’t be possible to match the feeling we had a year go preparing for the first-ever meeting with Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl. For college football fans, it’s the best matchup of bowl season aside from the playoff games. These are two big-name programs with excellent, young coaches. Plus, the two have met only four times.
What does Georgia need to do to win?
Motivation is always a big key to bowl games and the disappointment fans are feeling about missing the playoff, the players feel, too. Investing in the game mentally is their first priority. Deandre Baker opting to play the game should help with that.
What are your early thoughts on the Bulldogs of 2019?
Like the last two seasons, Georgia will be one of the three or four best teams in the country. Of course, my mind keeps imagining all the cruel ways Bama will find to win in Atlanta. That’s why Georgia needs to leave no doubt and get there 12-0 which means avoiding the annual blowout loss. That’s the one bug in the system Kirby hasn’t been able to eradicate. The schedule looks tough with the visit from Notre Dame and five tough games down the stretch, though Georgia should be favored in all 12.
Who is the freshman that you think will be a breakout player next season?
Justin Fields! That’s my “clickbait” answer. Boring answer: Channing Tindall. Maybe his sack in the SEC Championship Game is still fresh on my mind. Adam Anderson, too. Georgia will lose Natrez Patrick, D’AndreWalker and Juwan Taylor at linebacker so that position group more than any other needs a few of those younger guys to mature fast. Tindall and Anderson didn’t get many snaps this year but always seemed to make the most of the one’s they did.
With Kirby and Tom Herman, do you see these two teams playing again soon with major stakes?
Yes. Georgia isn’t going anywhere and Texas seems to be on pace reaching the Big XII title game and Sugar Bowl in Tom Herman’s second year. Texas will be helped by not playing Maryland (2-0 vs. Herman) anymore. Though they’ve added a home and home with LSU over the next seasons.
What is your score prediction?
It’s hard for me to ignore Herman’s superb 12-2-1 ATS record as an underdog. That includes nine outright victories. Again, Georgia’s mood is something to pay attention to over the next couple of weeks. Texas could have more support since many Georgia fans already made a trip to Louisiana in October. Georgia’s the superior team and I think they start 2019 with a 45-35 win.